Garhwal Post Bureau
Ramnagar, 23 Jan: The State Forest Department has been put on high alert following the deaths of two leopards in separate incidents across the Ramnagar forest divisions, triggering concern among the wildlife officials and prompting intensified surveillance in the region.
In the first incident, a leopard was killed after being hit by an unidentified vehicle on National Highway 74 within the Barakholi Range of the Terai East Forest Division. The incident reportedly occurred late last night. The forest officials reached the spot soon after receiving information and took custody of the carcass, which has been sent for post-mortem examination, while further legal formalities are being carried out.
Barakholi Range Officer and Probationary IFS Shreen Pandit shared that the information about the leopard carcass near Piplia was received late last night. A forest team immediately reached the location, recovered the body and sent it for autopsy. The deceased animal has been identified as a four-year-old male leopard. To ascertain the exact cause of the accident and trace the vehicle involved, CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined, following which further action will be initiated.
Meanwhile in another separate incident under the Terai West Forest Division, panic spread after another leopard was found dead in the Patta Pani Gram Sabha area of the Bailparao Range. The carcass was first spotted in a sugarcane field by labourers engaged in harvesting activities, who promptly informed the villagers and forest officials. A department team rushed to the site and secured the surrounding area.
SDO of Terai West Forest Division Kiran Shah informed media that based on the condition of the carcass, the leopard is believed to have died around a day earlier. Preliminary examination has identified the animal as a male aged between five and six years. He said several injury marks were found on the body, leading to a prima facie suspicion that the death may have occurred due to infighting or a territorial clash. He added that the presence of another leopard has also been reported in the same area recently, increasing the likelihood of a conflict over territorial dominance.
Shah further stated that another leopard carcass had been found in the same vicinity a few days ago, prompting the department to remain on alert and step up monitoring across the region. In view of the consecutive leopard deaths, the officials are examining all possible angles. The carcass has been taken into custody for post-mortem as per laid-down procedures. He clarified that all body parts of the leopard were found intact and there are no indications of poaching or illegal trade in wildlife parts at this stage. The Forest Department claimed that the precise cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report is received. As a precautionary measure, patrolling has been intensified and residents in nearby areas have been advised to remain vigilant.
